The story of Katahdin sheep Kentucky is interesting even to those who don't intend to become shepherds. For those who are already involved with raising sheep, the rationale behind this new registered breed will perhaps change the way they conduct business. This story is a real life example of American ingenuity in action.
A man in Maine, who had been involved with sheep since childhood, wanted to eliminate the necessity of dealing with wool. His animals grew thick wool that had to be sheared, even if he only wanted to market the meat. Wool used to be a profitable sideline, but today competition from Australia and the increased use of synthetic fleece garments for winter wear has made it more of a burden than a incentive for many farmers.
Piel learned about a breed that has no fleece. These 'hair sheep' have coats which don't need to be sheared each year. These animals have been virtually unknown in Europe and North America but are familiar sights in Africa and Latin America.
Piel imported the first wool-less animals from the Virgin Islands. He chose three ewes (all triplets) and a sturdy ram. He crossed them with members of his mixed flock over many years. His goal was to develop a superior meat animal that would not have wool. He also valued the imported animals for hardiness, adaptability, high conception rate, and potential to have twins or triplets.
Many long-established breeds have lost the ability to conceive and give birth easily. They also traditionally lamb (have their babies) in early spring, when the weather can be bitterly cold and dangerously wet. Hair sheep are very fertile, have twins and triplets more often than single lambs, mature quickly, and can mate at any time of the year.
Piel's main focus was meat production, so he bred for 'carcass quality'. Almost fifty years later, there's a registry for animals who conform to his standards of size and conformation. Color is not important, the animal can be either hornless or horned, and there can be a variety of textures to the coat. The registry is not yet closed; an animal that meets the standard can be registered even if only one parent has papers. Every beast not from two registered animals must be inspected before being accepted for registration.
The meat from these animals is lean and flavorful. There's also a lot of it packed onto these muscular beasts who tolerate heat or cold, thrive on a variety of forages, and pretty much take care of themselves. They are ideal for clearing brush-clogged areas, like land under power lines or fields that have lain fallow for a number of years.
Check out Katahdin sheep Kentucky to see if there might be a flock near you. You can also go to the website set up for this breed, posted by Katahdin Hair Sheep International.
A man in Maine, who had been involved with sheep since childhood, wanted to eliminate the necessity of dealing with wool. His animals grew thick wool that had to be sheared, even if he only wanted to market the meat. Wool used to be a profitable sideline, but today competition from Australia and the increased use of synthetic fleece garments for winter wear has made it more of a burden than a incentive for many farmers.
Piel learned about a breed that has no fleece. These 'hair sheep' have coats which don't need to be sheared each year. These animals have been virtually unknown in Europe and North America but are familiar sights in Africa and Latin America.
Piel imported the first wool-less animals from the Virgin Islands. He chose three ewes (all triplets) and a sturdy ram. He crossed them with members of his mixed flock over many years. His goal was to develop a superior meat animal that would not have wool. He also valued the imported animals for hardiness, adaptability, high conception rate, and potential to have twins or triplets.
Many long-established breeds have lost the ability to conceive and give birth easily. They also traditionally lamb (have their babies) in early spring, when the weather can be bitterly cold and dangerously wet. Hair sheep are very fertile, have twins and triplets more often than single lambs, mature quickly, and can mate at any time of the year.
Piel's main focus was meat production, so he bred for 'carcass quality'. Almost fifty years later, there's a registry for animals who conform to his standards of size and conformation. Color is not important, the animal can be either hornless or horned, and there can be a variety of textures to the coat. The registry is not yet closed; an animal that meets the standard can be registered even if only one parent has papers. Every beast not from two registered animals must be inspected before being accepted for registration.
The meat from these animals is lean and flavorful. There's also a lot of it packed onto these muscular beasts who tolerate heat or cold, thrive on a variety of forages, and pretty much take care of themselves. They are ideal for clearing brush-clogged areas, like land under power lines or fields that have lain fallow for a number of years.
Check out Katahdin sheep Kentucky to see if there might be a flock near you. You can also go to the website set up for this breed, posted by Katahdin Hair Sheep International.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire